It is never wrong to remain silent when you have nothing to say, particularly, if what you are about to say is not constructive. Idle chit-chat has got many a soul in trouble. That is not to say that we Christians must be dull and lethargic saps, a conversational drag; it does say, however, that our speech must be circumspect, Godly and appropriate. Paul calls this “edification” which, incidentally, is an old-fashioned word seldom heard these days. Interestingly enough, this advice is also in order for us “tongue speakers” (1 Corinthians 14:1-40). Even tongues should build up, rather than just become so much “spiritual” chatter. Paul called such public chatter a “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13: 1).”
God never promised to bless hot air, even if it does sound like a foreign language and comes out of the mouth of a TV preacher. Even if such is really tongues (and I doubt that it is) at best it only blesses the preacher; at worst, however, it is like casting pearls before swine, as it were. Why give a critical public fodder for their criticism? It just doesn't make sense.
I've never been ashamed of my Pentecostal heritage. I have, however, never felt the urge to rub the truth of my experience in the face of those that may disagree. We must remember that "it is God who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13)." He'll do the work, not us. We'll only muddle things up in most cases.
Keep looking up, for our redemption is near,
JimR_/
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